This is a really easy crochet pattern, inspired from the knitted version here. And it’s not really lace, it’s more like mesh. 😛

Anyway, first of all, measurements. This is based on the description from the knitted version. It’s the same logic as the knit version, so credit’s not mine.

Measure your shoulder span. Add 4 inches for each sleeve. So, if my shoulder span is 17 inches, I add 8 inches to it, which brings about a total of 25 inches.This will be the width of the bolero.

Next, measure your upper arm. Mine measures 12.5 inch. Add 6.5 inch to this measurement. This will be be the length of the bolero, which is 19 inches.

After that, you will have to calculate the number of chains required to start this project.

You will need to chain in multiples of 4 + 2 chain.

So, if for example, my gauge is 4 stitches per inch. My shoulder measurement is a total of 25 inches. So, (25 x 4) + 2 = 102. I will need to chain 102 to start.

If my gauge is 6 stitches per inch, this is how I calculate: 25 x 6 =150. However, 150 is not a multiple of 4, that is, you cannot divide it by 4 and get a whole number. The closest number to 150 divisible by 4 to get a whole number is either 148 or 152. So, in this case, I’d go with 148 + 2. I like my shrug snug rather than loose. 🙂

Chain __. (the total # of stitches calculated as per your measurements. Mine’s 102)

Ribbed Row 1: SC into the 2nd chain from hook. SC in the bar of each chain till the end. Ch 3, turn. (This Ch 3 will be your first double crochet).
(SC into the bar of the chain will allow you to have a even finish on both ends of your shrug)

Ribbed Row 2: BPDC into the 2nd SC post. * FPDC into the next 2 SC post. BPDC into the next 2 SC bars.* Repeat from * to * till end. You should end with a BPDC stitch at the end. Ch 3, turn.

The last stitch on the just finished row was a BPDC. When you turn, it will become a BPDC. So, on the new row, you will have to start with a FPDC.

(The ribbing is created with 2 BPDC, 2 FPDC, repeat till end. or 2 FPDC followed by 2 BPDC till end .. depending on which side your crocheting on)

Ribbed Row 3: FPDC into the 2nd post. *BPDC into next 2 posts, followed by FPDC into next 2 posts*. Repeat * to * till end.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until the ribbed rows reach about 3 inches, it’s time to start with the body of the shrug.

Body Rows:

Ch 3 at the end of the last ribbed stitch. DC into the top of the 2nd stitch from chain 3. *Ch 2. skip 2 stitches. DC into the next 2 stiches.* Repeat * to * till end. Ch 3, turn. Repeat body row till desired length minus 3 inches is achieved. Ch 1, turn.

Finishing Ribbed Rows:

Finishing Ribbed Row 1: SC into next stitch from chain 1. *2 SC into the space of the chain 2 in the previous row. 1 SC into the top of the next 2 stitches.* Repeat * to * till end.

Finishing Ribbed Row 2: Here you have to check your stitches on the ribbed rows in the beginning. If the corresponding stitch on the other end is a BPDC, then you should start this row with BPDC (or vice versa). So looking at the pictures, row 2 should be done in BPDC into 2nd post of sc, followed by FPDC into next 2 sc posts and BPDC into next 2 sc posts. Repeat till end.

When you’re done, your work should look like this (kinda, this is a miniature version :P)

Fold the ribbed rows ends towards each other. Sew up the matched ribbed rows on each side. This will create the armholes and sleeves of the shrug. (You can sew up the ribbed rows with the ends of your yarn or you can weave in the ends and sew with a matching thread. Whichever way that works for you. :D)

I used about 1 2/3 skein of yarn. The yarn I used was Sirdar’s Wash ‘n’ Wear Double Crepe Dk, fyi. 🙂
The specs of the yarn are:
Blend: 55% Acrylic, 45% Nylon
Ball weight: 100g
Yardage: 270m/296y
I used a 4.25mm, G hook. I didn’t do a gauge but I just measured on my shrug. It’s about 6 stitches per inch across and 3 double crochet rows per inch tall (if that makes sense to you).

I hope the pattern and my explanation makes sense. Let me know if you need clarification or spot a mistake.

Depending on your size, especially if you’re big like me, it’s gonna take a while to crochet this because it’s gonna be a BIG PIECE OF CLOTH by the time you’re done. 😛 If you’re tiny, then I guess you will be able to finish it fast!

The bolero will look like this. You can wear it with the ribbed rows folded or not!

Sorry the pictures aren’t great. I really don’t know how some of the popular crafters take the pictures for their tutorials. I don’t have a tripod nor an awesome camera. It’s so hard to take pics when you’re actually doing the do. 😛

I’d really love comments! And if you do make this bolero, please let me know! I would love to see it! 😀

Have fun making your bolero!

Note: Although the design for this shrug is not entirely original, the crochet pattern is written by me. It is free (like the knitted original) and should never be for sale. Therefore, do not duplicate for commercial purposes. You may use this pattern for personal use only. Thank you.

This is pretty! I am the type to be creative and come up with my own pattern. I do have a question. I am new to making patterns so where you mentioned “Measure your shoulder span. Add 4 inches for each sleeve. So, if my shoulder span is 17 inches, I add 8 inches to it, which brings about a total of 25 inches.This will be the width of the bolero, which is 19 inches”, where did you get 19 inches from? Wouldn’t it be 25 inches if your shoulders plus sleeves are 25 inches? Maybe this is a typo? Thanks!

How do you measure shoulder span?
This is nice for making the ribbing as you go, instead of a separate part at the end.
And the self measurement is a good idea too. Seems like a lot of people used your measurements and are saying it comes out too big. They should have measured themselves and calculated the number of chains.

measure from one shoulder to the other. haha. here’s an example.
To be honest, I think it depends on the type of yarn used. The yarn i used is not the stretchy sort so it doesn’t expand after wearing or washing. I kinda wish it does though. mine is a tad too fitting, some people may like that. Some pple may like it larger.

this is aweosme ❤
after reading this i have though of several of my own patterns this makes me feel so crative and i think that when ur craft flows through other people that is the real art. and u look so pretty in it as well

“Next, measure your upper arm. Mine measures 12.5 inch. Add 6.5 inch to this measurement. This will be be the length of the bolero, which is 19 inches.”

This part confused me a bit – what kind of upper arm measurements? Around it? How long it is to the elbow? Just wanted to clarify… the pattern is otherwise great and I can’t wait to make it! 🙂 The pictures are great too.

Hello, just wanted to say thank you for the pattern. I made a lilac one for my sister in law last week and it turned out perfect (well the seams weren’t so great but that’s because I suck at seaming!).

I was worried to begin with because the first ribbed rows did not seem long enough but once it all came together the sizing was spot on.

Hi, your bolero looks really pretty!
I am a beginner to crochet and have so far just tried practising the beginning bit (front and back post double crochet) starting with ten chains.
I am just a bit confused – if you initially do one BPDC, then 2 FPDC, 2 BPDC, 2 FPDC and 2 BPDC – then I understand how you would get what is represented in your second photo – i.e. BPDC, FPDC, FPDC, BPDC, BPDC …
However, I don’t understand how you get to what is represented in the third photo – i.e. FPDC, FPDC, BPDC, BPDC … and ending with FPDC, FPDC. Because from my understanding you would have an odd/single BPDC or FPDC on one end of each row, depending on which side you’re looking at it from (which seems to be what you have in the fourth photo) …
I would really appreciate it if you could clarify this for me!!
Thank you!

Can’t wait to start one for my stepdaughter’s birthday. I applaud your pattern writing. While I can adapt a pattern up or down sizes or alter it to suit my liking, I can not write a pattern to go along with it. I can barely knit and get frustrated when I see hella cute knitting patterns, how long did it take you to figure out a crocheting alternative for your shrug?

Hi, when you say 1: SC into next stitch from chain 1. *2 SC into the space of the chain 2 in the previous row. 1 SC into the top of the next 2 stitches.* Repeat * to * till end. Is this one sc in one chain, then two in same chain, or is it just sc all the way along. If it is two in on chain. Why the increse. Thanks

It’s been so long that I can’t recall. But the yarn I used was Sirdar Wash ‘n’ Wear Double Crepe DK and I think I used about 1.5 skeins. Per skein is 296 yards (271 meters) and it’s not a stretchy yarn.

Hi there! I just thought I would let you know that someone has stolen your photo and is claiming that he made it. If you’d like further information I will provide it but I see the last comment here is 2 years old so I’m not sure if you still check in or not.

Hi there. indeed I haven’t logged on for a long time and thanks for the info! I guess it really doesn’t matter … my website is free anyway and I’m not making money from it. It’s more of a knowledge sharing place. The person who stole the photo and claiming credit for my work has only his/her own conscience to answer to. The one upstairs know. #namaste. 🙂